Decision regarding Idaho-Florida game to be made soon

Idaho Vandals kicker Austin Rehkow kicks off against Florida during the first half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on Saturday. The opening kickoff, which was the game's only play, was returned 64 yards by the Gators' Valdez Showers.

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UF issued a statement Sunday saying that no decision would be reached on Sunday and more would be known in the next two to three days.

Saturday night's game was suspended due to unsafe field conditions after only one play, the opening kickoff, which was returned 64 yards by UF's Valdez Showers.

The start of the game was delayed two hours, 48 minutes due to rain and lightning in the area.

Following the opening kickoff, both teams were sent back to their locker room when more lightning was detected in the area. During the delay, heavy rain pelted Florida Field again and the decision was made to suspend the game.

According to SEC rules, if a game is suspended before the end of the fourth period and cannot be resumed, there are four possible options:

-- Resume the game at a later date.

-- Terminate the game with a determined final score.

-- Forfeit the game.

-- Declare a no contest.

The athletic directors from both schools, in consultation with the coaches, must agree on one of the four options.

If the Idaho-UF game is resumed at a later date, it will begin with the same time remaining and under the identical conditions of down, distance, field position and player eligibility. The Gators would open the game with a first down on the Idaho 14-yard line.

Florida and Idaho both have an open date Oct. 25, a week before the Gators face Georgia in Jacksonville.

The Gators host Eastern Michigan on Saturday. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. and the SEC Network will televise the game.

Eastern Michigan also had to deal with a lengthy lightning delay Saturday night before defeating visiting Morgan State 31-28 in the season opener for both schools.

Contact Robbie Andreu at 352-374-5022 or andreur@gvillesun.com. Also check out Andreu's blog at Gatorsports.com.

<p>A decision regarding the status of the suspended Idaho-Florida football game is expected to be made in the next few days.</p><p> UF issued a statement Sunday saying that no decision would be reached on Sunday and more would be known in the next two to three days.</p><p> Saturday night's game was suspended due to unsafe field conditions after only one play, the opening kickoff, which was returned 64 yards by UF's Valdez Showers.</p><p> The start of the game was delayed two hours, 48 minutes due to rain and lightning in the area.</p><p> Following the opening kickoff, both teams were sent back to their locker room when more lightning was detected in the area. During the delay, heavy rain pelted Florida Field again and the decision was made to suspend the game.</p><p> According to SEC rules, if a game is suspended before the end of the fourth period and cannot be resumed, there are four possible options:</p><p>-- Resume the game at a later date.</p><p>-- Terminate the game with a determined final score.</p><p>-- Forfeit the game.</p><p>-- Declare a no contest.</p><p> The athletic directors from both schools, in consultation with the coaches, must agree on one of the four options.</p><p> If the Idaho-UF game is resumed at a later date, it will begin with the same time remaining and under the identical conditions of down, distance, field position and player eligibility. The Gators would open the game with a first down on the Idaho 14-yard line.</p><p> Florida and Idaho both have an open date Oct. 25, a week before the Gators face Georgia in Jacksonville.</p><p>The Gators host Eastern Michigan on Saturday. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. and the SEC Network will televise the game.</p><p>Eastern Michigan also had to deal with a lengthy lightning delay Saturday night before defeating visiting Morgan State 31-28 in the season opener for both schools.</p><p><i>Contact Robbie Andreu at 352-374-5022 or andreur@gvillesun.com. Also check out Andreu's blog at Gatorsports.com.</i></p>